Afghan Institute of Learning Empowers Afghan Women

In 2015, AIL set up a free legal aid clinic in Herat. There are five female lawyers who provide consultation services, court representation and arbitration. The cases cover topics such as marriage, abandonment, divorce, business, inheritance, child support and custody as well as crime.

Here is the story of one client: “This lady had an arranged marriage with a man who already had a wife and children. She received a piece of land from her husband and did not have difficulties with her husband. As soon as my husband passed away my brother started to harass me and my children. He tried to take my property, and finally seized my dowry too.  When I refused, he hit me and when I was unconscious made me to sign the agreement document that states that I have give over  this piece of land to my step-son. I did not know what to do and how to prove my claim. I came to the  AIL Law Clinic for help to get my property back.”

Many women lack knowledge of the law and their rights and lack the finances to access legal help. The lawyers teach families about the law and rights through Meraj Radio and TV stations. They attend regular programs giving information and taking questions from the public. There are plans to increase the amount of legal programming in the near future.

The head of the legal program attended Women’s Empowerment Group meetings, giving presentations on the law and rights. The lawyers also give workshops at the private schools to various grades to educate the young people about the law and behavioral etiquette, justice and fairness. 

Thank you for your support which is helping Afghan women seek justice and  claim their rights.